FREE virtual writing workshop here today March 30, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent, workshops

WHAT, WHO, & WHEN, HOW & WHY:  Free writing workshop with me as facilitator & blogger here.  “Face Your Fears” is the theme.  I’ll be online between 3-5 p.m., responding to questions in comments section.  You don’t have to sign up.  You don’t have to make a comment.  You don’t have to submit any writing.  But you are welcome to observe, participate and give feedback. If you’d like to submit the writing you did out…

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Stay Home March 26, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

The United States is the wealthiest country in the world. Yet there are health care workers dying because of not having basic protection against the potentially lethal virus they work against. Why is that? As with all Obama funded programs, scientifically based as well as humanity related the Trump Administration got rid of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act. Ridding the government of Obama’s legacy because he is a black man was one reason.…

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The “Invisible Enemy” March 21, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

So the nightmares have begun–not only the nightmare of a pandemic but real nightmares. Our imaginations go where they go–worms coming out of the tap water, being possessed by a demon, searching for people we love and can’t find them…  There’s no surprise that the anxiety levels are up. We read bed time stories to children to put their minds at ease at bedtime.  I suggest we do the same for ourselves.  If you go…

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La Comunidad–To limpia or not to limpia? March 20, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

We are entering Spring Equinox.  The world is on alert and populations are challenged as never before. As a Chicana/mexicana-indigena I grew up and have always had limpias as part of our lives.  We do all kinds of limpias–sweeping with a huevo, usamos hierbas y aquas preparadas, baños. Friday is a good day for a limpia. You don’t have to find a curandera, santera, or modern bruxa/os.  If you’d like a recommendation on how to…

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La Comunidad: Comida March 19, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

IMG_2323   Cooking at home is not so hard. Buying in bulk is “elder” advised.  Make enough for more than one or for several days.   Frijoles charros.  You can find recipes on line.  Legumes are a superfood, btw. Here we are.    

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La Comunidad: my blog March 18, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

  Now that we’ve established how I really feel, welcome to my new La Comunidad blog.  As a writer, creative, poet and long-time cabrona con corazón, if you’re not familiar with my books and writings please do check them out.  They’re on my website and anywhere you get books and your information. You may comment whatever you wish here but only good-vibes. We are in the midst of world-spreading pandemic and I am in the U.S.…

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Reading BOOKS frees the imagination March 16, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

If you are at home practicing social distancing, social responsibility or because you have to– remember that BOOKS are our friends.  They don’t carry viruses.  They free our imaginations. Whether you prefer fiction to non-fiction, poetry to memoir, if you are a book-lover you most likely have a pile near your bedside waiting for your attention. I recently pulled out of the bedside-shelf an old read, AZTEC by Gary Jennings.  I first read it when…

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Sin pelos en la lengua March 15, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent, workshops

Chicago workshop on the 18th was cancelled last week.  It would have been a good idea to cancel considering the pandemic the world is experiencing but it was cancelled because of a personal family medical emergency.  Ultimately, it all ties in. If you are interested in working with me on your writing now or in the foreseeable future please do reach out via anacastilloworkshops@gmail.com with any questions. Until now, I hesitate to blog bc before…

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Qué viva el arte, adelante las muxerx March 1, 2020 – Posted in: Blog, recent

Ana Castillo 2020   An art piece from a private collection is included in this valuable show at the San Isidro/TJ Border.   Thank you for including me.  Femicidio is an international rampant crime against girls and women.  We cannot bring enough attention to this heinous activity.  The Mal-treatment of brown people reaching U.S. border requesting asylum and the ongoing persecution of detained minors and adults is unconscionable.  

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